CORONAVIRUS 101 - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW...

From Dr. Wang Zhou and his colleagues at the Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention comes a must-have guide for preparing for an outbreak of the coronavirus virus (OCID-19).

AS THE CORONAVIRUS CONTINUES TO SPREAD ACROSS THE TRI-STATE, it’s important to remain calm and arm yourself with the most basic information at hand.

You could invest in this timely handbook, “101 Science-Based Tips That Could Save Your Life,” By Wang Zhou or just familiarize yourself with these basic facts, don’t panic and be sure to sign up for daily updates from the CDC.Gov.

What is coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals. COVID-19 Novel (meaning “new”) coronavirus is a virus strain that has only spread in people since December 2019. There are thousands of confirmed cases in China and additional cases being identified in a growing number of countries internationally, including the United States.

How does novel coronavirus spread?

The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but now it seems to be spreading from person to person. Since this virus is very new, health authorities continue to carefully watch how this virus spreads. Other coronaviruses spread from an infected person to others through:

• The air by coughing and sneezing

• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands

• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes

How can I prevent getting novel coronavirus?

Currently there are no vaccines available to prevent novel coronavirus infections. 

Steps you can take to prevent spread of flu and the common cold will also help prevent coronavirus:
Please be aware that we have hand sanitizers in all training rooms as well as soap in all 5 bathrooms.

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• Stay home while you are sick and avoid contact with others

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

• Push doors open with elbows when possible.

• Use tissues to open bathroom doors when leaving.

• Instructors will avoid handshakes and high fives to students and parents as a safety measure as well.

How severe is novel coronavirus?

People infected have had illness that has ranged from mild (like a common cold) to severe pneumonia that requires medical care in a hospital. So far, deaths have been reported mainly in older adults who had other health conditions.

What are the symptoms?

People who have been diagnosed with novel coronavirus have symptoms that may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

How is novel coronavirus treated?

There is no specific treatment for coronavirus. Most people with mild coronavirus illness will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking pain and fever medications. However, some people develop pneumonia and need medical care or treatment in a hospital.

The best ways to prevent the spread of any virus is to make sure children stay home if they are exhibiting any symptoms. 

Here are symptoms to look for in the Corona Virus:

*Occur 2-14 days after exposure

- Fever

- Cough 

- Shortness of Breathe

10 WAYS YOU CAN HONOR AND COMMEMORATE THE TRAGIC EVENTS AND VICTIMS OF 9/11

Associated Press via CNN.com

Unfortunately, this Sunday will mark 15 years since the horrific tragedy of the September 11th terrorist attacks.  Thousands of Americans lost their lives, leaving behind a grieving nation.  

If you lived in NYC anywhere below 14th street, chances are you saw the tragic events unfold with your own two eyes.  Yet, despite the fact that the NYC skyline has changed, you may feel more connected to downtown Manhattan more now, then ever before.  

Fact is, 9/11 did in so many ways forced NYC and the entire country to come together.  Yes, the horrible events on 9/11/01 certainly changed the way we all view  the world.  Now, as America faces a critical change of political power in this upcoming Presidential election, you may feel more compelled now more than ever to be a part of your local community and are looking for ways to volunteer or give back this weekend or month.

In cities all over the United States, people still come together on September 11th to commemorate and honor the victims of 9/11.

Below are ten different ways you can join your fellow Americans to honor, remember, and give back to the victims, their families, and America..."United we fall."

Joe Woolhead via 911memorial.org

1.  VISIT the National September 11 Memorial & Museum – On September 11, 2011, in New York City, the National Memorial for the 9/11 attacks was officially revealed to the public.  The site instantly reminds people to "never forget."  The 9/11 Memorial displays the names of the victims, including the passengers and crew of the two airliners that were used by terrorists to strike and subsequently bring down both the north and south WTC towers.  Victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks including:  first responders, employees and visitors were from all over the world and are forever memorialized at the site that was referred to as,  "ground zero."

In May 2014, the 9/11 Museum was officially opened to the public.  Both destinations are a harsh and emotional reminder to us all.  Those who want to remember their loved ones or just self reflect are able to gather and experience the museum’s historical yet, "gut-wrenching" exhibition of those unimaginable and tragic events.  

You can show your support by joining the thousands that visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum on September 11th each year to honor the victims.

Spencer Platt via Getty Images

2. DONATE to Charity – It’s 15 years later and people are still feeling the affects of 9/11, including the victims’ families, survivors, injured heroes and survivors.  Making a donation to one or more of the below charities will support the many victims still alive and left behind who were seriously effected by the attacks.  

Wounded Warrior Project: Provides the servicemen and women injured during the attacks with lifetime support.  Their mission is “to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women; to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other; and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of severely injured service members.” 

Tuesday’s Children: Provides long-term support to the families of the victims of 9/11, as well as victims of other terrorist attacks globally. 

The Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation: Founded by the family and friends of FDNY firefighter, Michael Lynch, after he was killed responding to the 9/11 attacks.  It is a scholarship fund that provides educational grants to the children of 9/11 firefighters and other victims.

serve.gov

3. SIGN-UP for the National Day of Service –  Don't have the funds to donate this year?  You can still give back.  Join your fellow Americans every September 11th to volunteer at a local event near you.  Your contribution goes a long way in honoring 9/11 victims and continuing service for other ongoing American hardships due to the attacks.  You can sign up on serve.gov and take part in various outreach, fundraising, and service projects.

Christian Rodas

4. GET PHYSICAL for a good cause - The 9/11 Stair Climb – In various locations throughout the country, people partake in “stair climbs” to pay tribute to the FDNY firefighters that responded on 9/11.  Climbers walk the equivalent of 110 stories of the World Trade Center, just like so many of the heroic first responders did.  To support their brave sacrifice, find out where your nearest climb is here.

Kara Lusk Dudley

5. GIVE BLOOD – Blood donations to the American Red Cross soared after the events of 9/11.  Naturally, people wanted to do everything in their power to help out.  Many years later, donating blood is still just as significant of a gesture.  The American Red Cross has partnered with 9/11 Day to encourage people to give blood in honor of 9/11’s emotional 15th anniversary.

Brandon Seidel/Dreamstime

6. GET PATRIOTIC! – Yes, we know July 4th has come and gone.  But, there are no rules, you can display and fly the American flag anytime you want.  This Sunday, in honor of September 11th, hang your American flag and display your pride, honoring the best country in the world!  The American flag is the ultimate symbol of solidarity and patriotism and reminds us to never forget any of the lives who were taken on this terrible day in our nations history.

trinitywallstreet.org

7. VISIT St. Paul’s Chapel – Otherwise known as the “Little Chapel That Stood,” St. Paul’s was instrumental in helping recovery workers during the 9/11 attack.  For months after the 9/11 attacks, volunteers from the church, served meals, made up beds, helped show support and counsel the 9/11 workers.  St. Paul’s is also the oldest surviving church building in Manhattan.  It is worth a trip for both the historical significance and the role it played in such a horrible tragedy.

Britt Crosby

8. The New York City Fire Museum – This museum is free to the public on September 11th.  Inside, there is a 9/11 memorial honoring the firefighters who lost their lives.  On September 11th there will be a choir performance, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.

Kerstie Ladd

9. Wall Street Walks – This walking tour company gives 9/11 tours around lower Manhattan, including Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial.  Make sure to book your ticket now!

www.rememberingourfallen.org

10. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum – This museum hosts a photo memorial honoring New Yorkers who suffered fatal wounds from their time fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.  While not directly about 9/11, it serves as a strong reminder of the brave Americans that lay down their lives for our country every day.

"NEVER FORGET!" 

Ya Know You Wanna!